Bureau of Immigration imposes preventive measures vs A(H1N1)

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration is imposing measures to prevent the spread of the “second wave” of influenza A(H1N1) cases, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said yesterday.

Upon Libanan’s orders, BI Airport Operation Division chief Ferdinand Sampol issued a directive for all airport-based immigration personnel to observe proper sanitation and hygiene, submit to another vaccination, and wear masks if warranted.

“Airport-based immigration employees and staff are more vulnerable to the threat of any… disease, as these people are the first to be in contact with our kababayans and foreign visitors,” Sampol said.

Libanan said officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have installed thermal scanners to check for feverish passengers, and alcohol dispensers at every counter.            – Rudy Santos